There were 3,016 COVID-19 cases reported in Victoria this week, a decrease of 0.9 per cent on the previous week. The average daily number of new cases this week was 431, down from 436 last week.
The seven-day rolling average of patients with COVID in Victorian hospitals is 104. There are currently 88 COVID patients in Victorian hospitals and no patients in intensive care – this is the first time in 18 months there are no COVID patients in ICU. There is 1 cleared case in ICU. There are no COVID patients on a ventilator. The seven-day rolling average of patients in intensive care in Victorian hospitals is 4. In the past three months, 4,534 COVID patients were hospitalised in Victoria.
Of Victorians aged 50 to 64 years, 80.1 per cent have had their third dose and 32.8 per cent have had their recommended fourth dose. Of those aged over 65, 90.9 per cent have had their third dose and 68.9 per cent have had their fourth dose. 70.7 per cent of people aged 16 and over have had three doses.
A total of 23 COVID-related deaths were reported to the Department in the past week. An average of 3 deaths were reported each day in the past week. This represents a 74 per cent decrease when compared to the same period the previous month.
The total number of reported COVID-related deaths in Victoria since the pandemic began is 7,338.
COVID-19 epidemiological summary
There has been a decrease in COVID cases and hospitalisations this week. The recent wave of transmission has been driven primarily by waning immunity and influenced by multiple Omicron variants.
The Omicron recombinant strain XBB.1.5 has shown rapid growth in recent weeks, representing an average of 19 per cent of wastewater COVID-19 detections in the most recent week. XBF continues to make up the highest proportion of wastewater detections (30 per cent), followed by BA.2.75 and its sub-lineages (25 per cent), and BQ.1/BQ.1.1 (8 per cent). A group of variants that include those at low levels and those which cannot be classified due to new mutations makes up 17 per cent of detections.
The Department of Health continues to monitor these trends and any newly emerging variants to determine the timing and severity of any future waves of transmission. The implications of the increasing prevalence of XBB.1.5 upon the timing and scale of a future wave remain uncertain.
Advice for COVID-19 boosters
All Victorians who have not had a COVID vaccination or confirmed infection in the past six months are now eligible for a booster. This is irrespective of how many prior doses a person has received.
The national eligibility change follows advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
For those not infected or vaccinated in the past six months, a 2023 booster is recommended for:
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- Adults 18-64 years who have medical comorbidities or disability with significant or complex health needs
For those not infected or vaccinated in the past six months, a 2023 booster should be considered for:
- Adults 18-64 with no risk factors for severe COVID
- Children and adolescents aged 5-17 who have medical comorbidities or disability with significant or complex health needs
ATAGI’s full advice and recommendations can be found onlineExternal Link.
Victorians are encouraged to book a free booster appointment through their local GP or pharmacy. You can find your nearest vaccination provider through the Vaccine Clinic FinderExternal Link.
RATs available through local councils
All Victorians are eligible to pick up two free packets of RATs through their local council.
The council RAT distribution program is currently operating across more than 400 local sites, such as libraries and council customer service centres. The program is now open to all Victorians with all eligibility requirements now removed.
Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit while people with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests.
Testing, especially with any compatible COVID symptoms, is critical to help with early detection and to protect others. It also allows for appropriate care and timely treatment.
